Cheapest Neighborhoods in Berkeley, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Berkeley are Southside, Elmwood, and South Berkeley. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Berkeley, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of September 17, 2026, the average rent in Berkeley is $2,336, which is 4.4% higher than last year. However, it's important to remember that rental prices can vary significantly based on factors such as location, amenities, and floor plans.
Southside
Average Rent
$1,796/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
5%
Units Available
26 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Berkeley, Southside might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,796, while the city’s average stands at $2,336. In the last year, prices have increased by 5%. Southside is near Willard Park, UC Berkeley, and North Berkeley.
Elmwood
Average Rent
$2,107/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.3%
Units Available
34 Rentals
Elmwood is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Elmwood is $2,107 while the city average is $2,336. This is a -0.3% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to University and Jepson Herbaria, Berkeley City College, and UC Berkeley.
South Berkeley
Average Rent
$2,200/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.3%
Units Available
132 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Berkeley neighborhood on a budget, check out South Berkeley. The average rent is $2,200, compared to the city average of $2,336. Rent prices have increased by 2.3%. South Berkeley is convenient to Rockridge, People's Park, and Ashby Station.
Downtown Berkeley
Average Rent
$2,771/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4.7%
Units Available
109 Rentals
Downtown Berkeley is an affordable neighborhood in Berkeley with an average rent price of $2,771. Compare this to the city average of $2,336. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 4.7%. Downtown Berkeley provides easy access to Ashby Station, Macarthur, and San Francisco International.
Aquatic Park
Average Rent
$3,008/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2%
Units Available
10 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Berkeley, Aquatic Park might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $3,008, while the city’s average stands at $2,336. In the last year, prices have decreased by 2%. Aquatic Park is near Strawberry Creek Park, San Francisco Bay Trail (at Emeryville), and North Berkeley.
North Berkeley
Average Rent
$3,042/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.8%
Units Available
32 Rentals
North Berkeley is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in North Berkeley is $3,042 while the city average is $2,336. This is a 0.8% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to El Cerrito Plaza Station, Samuel Merritt University, and Codornices Park.
Southwest Berkeley
Average Rent
$3,073/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
10%
Units Available
52 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Berkeley neighborhood on a budget, check out Southwest Berkeley. The average rent is $3,073, compared to the city average of $2,336. Rent prices have increased by 10%. Southwest Berkeley is convenient to Berkeley City College, McLaughlin Eastshore State Park, and North Berkeley.
Northwest Berkeley
Average Rent
$3,172/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
8.4%
Units Available
43 Rentals
Northwest Berkeley is an affordable neighborhood in Berkeley with an average rent price of $3,172. Compare this to the city average of $2,336. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 8.4%. Northwest Berkeley provides easy access to Gilman Village, McLaughlin Eastshore State Park, and Ashby Station.
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Methodology
Transit Score measures access to public transit. Scores range from 0 (minimal transit) to 100 (rider’s paradise). Learn more about the Transit Score methodology. Rental data is sourced from CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As a leading authority in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar performs in-depth research to build and sustain an extensive database of commercial real estate insights.
We've combined this data with public records to provide the most current rental information available.